QUOTE(Exosinnerz @ Nov 15 2016, 11:25 AM)
Hi guys,
Recently when i try to buy items from China using my VISA/Mastercards but AliPay tells me that the merchant does not accept these cards. Does that mean i need a Union Pay card?
Tried to apply for one @ Bank of China branches here but they say their cards will not work with Alipay as well. Does anyone know if ICBC bank will work?
Nope, ICBC doesn't work too. I have ICBC Union Pay card from Malaysia, our card is only used as Debit Card in China. In order to register debit card on AliPay, it has to be registered in China and verified with their local ID or passport no.
Alternatively, you can link your Malaysia Visa/MasterCard to it, I'm using it but every transaction is subject to 3% service charge, anyway I have cash back and all, so don't mind these charges. I also use AliPay and WeChat wallet in China which links to my Malaysia credit cards, as it is very convenient to pay by just scanning QR code.
Or I just ask my China friends to help me to pay or they transfer fund to my AliPay.
I really have to open one bank account in my next trip to Beijing.
This post has been edited by fruitie: Nov 15 2016, 11:33 AM